Leadership Summit for CHROs & HR Leaders 2025
July 22 - 26, 2025
Welcome to an empowering journey to help HR professionals amplify their impact.
The Leadership Summit for CHROs & HR Leaders 2025 is an exclusive invite-only event for HR professionals that offers engaging sessions and practical workshops to tackle shared business challenges, as well as building in time for cultural experiences, enjoyment, and networking to develop personal and professional relationships with fellow HR leaders.
It will lead to contacts to enhance your career, opportunities to build genuine friendships in the field, and a memorable start to summer,.
Get ready to enhance your leadership abilities, reap the benefits of an authentic Italian experience, and learn to drive positive change in the HR profession.
Participate in leadership training, learn to work through professional challenges, visit the beautiful beaches of Ischia, and leave with lasting memories of a part of Italy mostly untouched by tourists!
Host:
Lead with Compassion
Created and Facilitated by Elizabeth Pyjov
Feedback on Prior Events in Ischia by Lead with Compassion
You'll gain a memorable start to summer, as well as knowledge and connections to enhance your career for decades to come.
WHAT
This unique 5-day Leadership Summit for CHROs & HR Leaders gives HR professionals the opportunity to build genuine friendships and partnerships with current leaders in the HR field, as well as strategize about how to overcome challenges – both personal and professional.
As you train to become a better leader and mentor, the program will also open you up to the poetry, mythology, food, music, and wine of Italy.
It’s an All-Inclusive Experience in an Italian Paradise for 5 days which includes:
Connections to elite leaders in the HR field
Small town authentic Italian life for 5 days
Lunches out in restaurants on the island
5-course dinners every night
Wine tasting
Boat ride on the Mediterranean sea
Everything all-inclusive
WHERE
Southern Italy is paradise in the summer.
Everyone knows the famous island of Capri.
Lesser known is the next island over called Ischia. It is as beautiful, if not more so, and for the most part, tourists haven't discovered it yet.
On the island of Ischia you can get the authentic Italian experience.
Ischia is amazing because it combines a deep history – Homer included it as part of Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey, W. H. Auden composed poetry about it, and it's the first place where the Ancient Greeks landed when they moved to Italy – lovely small towns, beautiful vegetation and nature, the sparkling Mediterranean sea, friendly people, and natural thermal hot springs that relax the body and mind.
It's a wonderful place to spend time at the end of June, and a wonderful setting to be meeting industry leaders.
Unique leadership and professional growth experience in a beautiful setting.
Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro – Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure. (Italian Proverb)
THEMES DAY-BY-DAY
Day 1: Arrival, Welcome Session, Dinner
Welcome lunch and introductions
Meditation session to arrive fully
Insight into Italian poetry
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 2: Network And Self-Compassion in the HR Profession
Swimming in the Mediterranean
Discover the mythology of Ischia
Speed networking session
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 3: Leadership of Self
Self-Compassion Meditation
Freedom from the Inner Critic
Boat ride on the Mediterranean
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 4: How to Lead Effectively
How to Give Feedback
Interactive Leadership Training
Walk through the town of Lacco Ameno
Drinks on the rooftop terrace
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 5: Mentoring the New Generation of HR Professionals
Last dip in the mineral hot spring pool
Mentorship in the HR industry
Closing Symposium Session: Achievements and Future Endeavours
EXPERIENCE CURATED BY:
ELIZABETH PYJOV, JD MTS
Quinlan School of Business Loyola University Chicago Faculty
B.A. Harvard College, Romance Languages and Literatures
Certification Stanford Medical School, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Pedagogy of Compassion
J.D. Harvard Law School
MTS Harvard Divinity School, Theology Degree
New York City Bar Well-Being Committee Member
Experience working with the HR teams at Baker McKenzie, Carlyle Group, Columbia Medical School, Deutsche Bank, Library of Congress, the New York State Supreme Court, Novartis, Ropes & Gray LLP, & Warby Parker
WHY ELIZABETH PYJOV
Elizabeth is a lawyer, thought leader, speaker, and CEO who holds 3 Harvard degrees, speaks 5 languages, has lived in 7 countries, and studied neuroscience at Stanford Medical School.
Her professional experience spans being a funds attorney at Sidley Austin, policy work at the United Nations, conducting legal investigations for the New York Attorney General's Office, marketing for Italy's top television stations RAI in Rome, and working as a literary translator for Italian Nobel prize-winning author Dario Fo.
Elizabeth combines what she learned about ritual and meaning at Harvard Divinity School, her literature degree from Harvard College, the rigor of Harvard Law School, and her time studying with the Dalai Lama to think outside the box and address modern challenges at work.
She currently runs 3 organizations: Lead with Compassion, Happiness Sangha, and Self-Compassion for Lawyers.
Elizabeth Pyjov's clients include Bessemer Ventures, Columbia Law School, the New York State Bar Association, Perkins Coie, and Weil Gotshal.
“We envision a place and time where very high achieving HR professionals can relax, enjoy, connect, and learn.”
HEALING AND CHANGING PATTERNS
The HR profession is highly stressful.
Leaders carry a lot of responsibility for their organization and its employees.
What HR leaders often lack is self-compassion and positive leadership of self habits for themselves.
During the summit, we will rewire those patterns together.
In a new environment, it is easier to release our patterns.
When trying new foods, experiencing beauty with the senses, and connecting to the warmth and friendliness of others – we gather energy and heal.
Wine has been produced in Ischia for almost 3000 years. It was introduced by the Ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, and Ischia is still famous all over the world for its wines.
“I spent years living in Italy, and the food in Ischia is the most delicious Italian food I’ve ever had.”
L’amore si misura in piatti cucinati – Love is measured in cooked dishes (Italian Proverb)
Local Experience
The owner of the villa where we will be staying owns an organic fruit and vegetable farm, and the food we'll be eating is sourced from there.
All the food for the duration of your stay is included. We will eat fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, and salads as well as meat, seafood, and fish, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
Special dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, allergies, and sensitivities are happily accommodated.
A lot of the food we will be eating is grown in the garden at the villa.
LOCATION
Trainings will take place at the two beautiful Italian villas we will be staying at. Pools of healing mineral hot springs are at your disposal on the property, as well as saunas, Turkish baths, and spas. You’ll enjoy the gorgeous views of the island from the rooftop terraces.
You can lounge in the jacuzzi on the terrace, swim in the pool, enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the courtyard, and have traditional Italian multi-course meals in the dining room while building the future of what the HR profession will become.
There will be excursions around the island on days 2, 3, and 4.
WHAT’S UNIQUE
Curated attendee list, including HR leaders from global top 100 companies
To encourage active dialogue and true connection among participants, registration will be limited to 30 attendees
Authentic, non-tourist Italian experience: like living in a warm Italian family, with amazing people around the table
Daily meditation will help you feel alive, connected, and relaxed
This event will help you achieve new levels of compassion, which will help you face professional challenges with new strength
Culture will meet professional networking, and you'll learn something new about Greek mythology and Italian poetry as well
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Leadership, training, and networking events
Guidance on how to mentor the next generation of HR professionals
Swimming in the Mediterranean
Walking through charming Italian downtowns
The most beautiful gardens you’ll ever see
Farm-to-table meals and traditional multi-course dinners
Thermal springs each morning and night that will relax your whole body and soften your skin
OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK
As you enjoy your time on the island you will meet a community of accomplished HR professionals who are leaders and changemakers in the field
TRAININGS
You'll have the opportunity to participate in daily leadership trainings
Trainings will span the topics of Leadership of Self, Leadership of Others, and Mentoring
ITINERARY
Arrive on the island of Ischia on a one-hour boat ride from Naples
Aperol Spritz or mineral water to refresh you
Welcome lunch
Soak in the jacuzzi on the rooftop, enjoying the view of the volcano
Italian poetry series
Mindfulness Meditation Practice
Introduction to the History and Mythology of the Island of Ischia
5-course dinner with wine
Night soak in the thermal hot springs for relaxation
DAY 1
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning mindfulness practice
Stroll through the lovely town of Lacco Ameno
Trip to the beautiful San Montano Beach
Lunch out in town to try the best pizza on the island
Return to the villa, free time
Discover the mythology of Ischia
Speed networking session
5-course dinner with wine
Option to take an evening walk in a local town and get some gelato
DAY 2
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning meditation practice
Self-guided visit to the beautiful gardens Giardini La Mortella
Visit to the Forio Spiaggia di San Francesco Beach
Lunch in a restaurant on the beach
Free time back at the villa to siesta or sunbathe on the rooftop, soak in the thermal waters, or sip an Aperol Spritz on the terrace
Introduction to Leadership of Self and Freedom from the Inner Critic Master Class
Evening Compassion Practice
Wine tasting mixer
5-course dinner with wine
After dinner option to explore the beautiful town of Forio at night
DAY 3
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning meditation practice
Visit to the local winery and lunch at the winery
Visit to the Castello Arogonese (Castle Arogonese) built 500 BC, a former abbey of Basilian monks with Eastern Orthodox art
Free time back at the villa
Optional time to go shopping in the town Lacco Ameno
Interactive leadership training
Italian poetry series
5-course dinner with wine and special desserts
Night of live music at the villa to celebrate our last evening together
DAY 4
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Training on mentoring the next generation of leaders
Closing Symposium Session: Achievements and Future Endeavours
Soaking in thermal hot springs at the villa one more time
Boat to Naples (or, if you like, it’s an easy boat ride to Capri, Positano, or Amalfi)
Transfer to airport or train station in Naples
DAY 5
Value
5-day leadership summit - $1,380
Italian poetry immersion series - $450
Ancient Greek myths psychologically explained - $450
Restorative yoga on the roof, walking meditation, and mindful movement daily - $450
Therapeutic compassion exercises - $450
Excursions around the island organized by Elizabeth Pyjov - $1,000
Short and enjoyable daily Italian lessons with Elizabeth Pyjov - $100
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport - $100
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways - $100
Transportation all over the island during your stay - $150
Room - $850
Breakfast, lunch, and five-course dinners each day - $1,200
Opportunity to ask Elizabeth Pyjov questions informally for 5 days - $250
Book of Italian poetry from 50 different poets, handpicked by Elizabeth Pyjov - $70
Not thinking about anything and not planning - $500
Pleasant surprises and extras - $250
Returning home with greater well-being - Priceless
Joy and energy for months to come - Priceless
A new community and connections to enhance your career for decades to come - Priceless
Total: $7,750
The event fee is $4,200*
*Because this is a leadership summit, typically, part of the cost is reimbursed by the HR leader’s organization.
INCLUDED
All activities of 5-day leadership summit
5 nights with a private room and a private bathroom in a beautiful hotel villa
Delicious local wines
Excursions around the island
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways
Transportation all over the island during your stay
Everything is planned for you and everything is included
All activities are optional and you get to make your schedule each day
This Team Will Welcome You
CURRICULUM
The curriculum has four parts:
1) Self-compassion, awareness and joy practice.
2) Compassionate connection to others.
3) A unit on the best of Italian poetry throughout history and the philosophy behind Italian poetry.
4) Healing effects of Ancient Greek mythology and how myths transform our subconscious.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
$4,200 for the entire experience.
*We recommend that you request 60% to be reimbursed by your company which will cover the leadership, management, and well-being training aspects of the event.
This invite-only event is very good for professional development and management training. It will help build your personal network and is helpful for recruiting for your organization.
Everything in Value section above is included from the time we pick you up at the airport to the time you leave Ischia. There will be a 5-course dinner each day, lunch out in local restaurants, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, wine at dinner, Aperol Spritz upon arrival, leadership training, and the opportunity to meet the best HR professionals and leaders in the industry.
*To do this trip, you'll need to be able to climb stairs.
If you want to bring a significant other, family member, or friend, contact Elizabeth Pyjov at (650) 922-4262 or elizabeth@leadwithcompassion.com.
DETAILS
Dates: July 22 - 26, 2025
Place: Ischia in Italy
Flights: Fly into the airport in Naples, Italy. There is a direct flight New York - Naples, for example. You can also fly into Rome and take a 2.5 hour train ride to Naples. You will be picked up at the airport or a train station.
Main Facilitator: Elizabeth Pyjov, JD MTS
HOW TO APPLY
This is an invite-only event capped at 30 attendees.
Fill in the form below to apply to receive registration.
“Those who spend so much time taking care of others need to connect and take care of themselves.”
